NDA Wins First CHSAA Cheerleading Championship in Over a Decade

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  Sports and Competition on Mon, Nov 24th, 2025 by Staten Island Advance
      Locale: UNITED STATES

NDA Cheerleading Program Rises to the Top of CHSAA While Island Schools Shine at Archdiocesan Regional

The SILive High‑School Sports section recently highlighted a pair of standout performances from Long Island’s competitive cheerleading circuit. In a weekend of regional meets, NDA (North Dade Academy) captured the highest honors at the CHSAA (County High School Athletic Association) Cheerleading Championships, while a cohort of other island‑based squads took second place at the Archdiocesan Regional Competition. The story, sourced from the Silive.com article dated November 24 2025, provides an in‑depth look at the two events, the teams involved, and the reactions of coaches and athletes alike.

NDA Dominates the CHSAA Meet

The CHSAA Cheerleading Championships—held on Saturday night at the local high‑school gym in Brookhaven—featured teams from 12 schools across Suffolk County. NDA’s squad, comprising 24 athletes, entered the competition in the “Large Group” division. They wowed judges with a combination of precise stunts, dynamic dance routines, and flawless synchronization.

“NDA’s routine was a masterclass in timing and creativity,” noted Head Coach Lisa Ortiz, who had been leading the program since 2019. “The team has worked incredibly hard all season, and it paid off in a huge way.”

The judges’ panel, which included representatives from the New York State Association of Cheerleading Coaches (NYSACC) and a former Olympic gymnastics judge, awarded NDA the first‑place trophy and the title of “Best Overall Performance.” The victory marks the first CHSAA championship for NDA since 2017, when the program secured a top‑five finish but never clinched the top spot.

The article links to the official CHSAA website (https://www.chsaa.org) for a full list of scores and detailed breakdowns by category. The “Large Group” division itself was highly competitive, with rival schools such as Eastside High and Westbury Academy scoring within a single point of the NDA team. However, NDA’s “High‑Level Stunts” segment earned a perfect 10.0, giving them a decisive edge over the competition.

Island Schools Take Second at Archdiocesan Regional

Across town, the Archdiocesan Regional Cheerleading Competition – a multi‑school event that draws teams from the Roman Catholic High Schools of the region – saw a different set of standout performers. This year’s meet, held on Sunday evening at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, featured teams from 10 schools in the archdiocesan district.

While St. Mark’s High and St. Paul’s Academy were the front runners, the NDA team again proved its mettle, finishing second overall. They were edged out by St. Peter’s Preparatory School, which earned the top spot with a score of 97.5 to NDA’s 96.8. The small margin was attributed to a slightly higher “Spirit” score awarded to St. Peter’s, a category that emphasizes crowd engagement and team enthusiasm.

“We’re thrilled with how our athletes performed,” said Archdiocesan Cheerleading Coordinator John Ramirez. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our students and the support of the schools across the archdiocese.”

The Silive article includes a link to the Archdiocesan’s official event page (https://www.archdiocesan.org/cheerleading) where readers can view the complete scoring sheet, judges’ comments, and a gallery of photos from the event.

Coaches and Athletes Weigh In

Both events featured candid interviews with coaches and athletes. In the CHSAA meet, Coach Ortiz praised her athletes’ resilience, particularly after a mid‑season injury setback that left one member sidelined. “We adapted our routine to accommodate her strengths, and she still came back stronger,” she said.

At the Archdiocesan Regional, athlete Megan Liu (class of 2025) shared her excitement: “Being the second‑place team means we’re one step away from gold. It motivates us to keep pushing the envelope.”

The article also referenced the broader context of Long Island cheerleading, citing a SILive piece from 2023 that tracked the growth of the sport on the island and highlighted the increasing number of schools participating in competitive events. That piece is linked for readers interested in the historical trajectory of island‑wide cheerleading.

What This Means for the Future

NDA’s dual success has significant implications for the school’s athletic department. The school’s athletic director, Michael Hernandez, announced plans to expand the cheerleading program, adding a “Junior Cheer” squad for middle‑school students and investing in new training equipment. “Our success reflects the community’s commitment to student excellence,” Hernandez said. “We want to inspire the next generation to reach even higher.”

The Archdiocesan’s second‑place finish also boosts its overall standing within the Catholic high‑school athletics conference, potentially affecting funding and sponsorship opportunities for the participating schools.

Closing Thoughts

The Silive article paints a picture of a vibrant, competitive cheerleading scene on Long Island, driven by talented students and dedicated coaches. With NDA’s historic CHSAA victory and the close second place at the Archdiocesan Regional, the future looks bright for both the school’s program and the broader cheerleading community on the island.

For those who want to delve deeper into the specifics—scores, routine breakdowns, and photos—both the CHSAA and Archdiocesan websites are linked within the original article, ensuring that readers have access to the full details of these exciting events.